Florida for Internet Freedom: Meeting w/ Sen. Nelson's staff 1/19 at 3pm! Can you attend?

StopSOPA-HQStopSOPA-HQ
in Individual State Discussions
Top Priority for FL: Set up Meetings

UPDATE -- @LSams managed to set up a last-minute meeting with Sen. Nelson's staff in Orlando, on Thursday at 3pm (tentatively).  We need as many people as possible to attend. Can you join him? Leave a comment below and get in touch with @LSams.  

We need more meetings:

  • Call (407)-872-7161 to meet with Senator Nelson's staff, a co-sponsor of PIPA, or drop into a local office with information.
  • Call (407)-254-2573 to meet with Senator Rubio, a co-sponsor of PIPA.

Be polite and professional, and request a meeting on behalf of Florida for Internet Freedom (the folks in this forum) to discuss the PROTECT IP Act and SOPA.  Make it clear that you want to meet with the Senator during the January recess, and that you'll be bringing others from your group.  Have your calendar open when you call, so you can pick a time that works for you.  When finished, post a report-back. 

For example: "Hi, my name is ________, I'm with Florida for Internet freedom, and I'm calling to request a meeting with Senator _______ during the January recess.  The PROTECT IP vote is happening on January 24th, and I wanted the Senator to understand my concerns before the vote happens."


IMPORTANT: If you do get a meeting, post another message. That way others can join you in your meeting.  If there's any other specific information we should include in this post, message us and we can add it. 

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Comments

  • poppimds007poppimds007
    The link to Senator is the wrong Nelson. Florida's is Bill Nelson.Not Ben.  Here is the right link.

  • poppimds007poppimds007
    Also   
    http://billnelson.senate.gov/contact/
  • poppimds007poppimds007
    http://billnelson.senate.gov/contact/appt.cfm
  • StopSOPA-HQStopSOPA-HQ
    This has been fixed, thanks for pointing it out to us. Hope we didn't do the same with the Udalls! 

    It should be noted that the appointment request form that you linked to only applies to meetings in D.C! We're trying to get in-state meetings with the senators while they're on break.
  • henne831henne831
    I think he is in DC because his website has the option of requesting a meeting, but the they only offer Washington DC as a location for a meeting. I'm in Florida, but I'll send a request and report back with the response. 

  • Twi_primeTwi_prime
    Hi, I wonder if this is relevant:  I heard on NPR this morning that conservative legislators had been signing on for duty for tiny little micro-sessions(one of them was only 40 seconds long!), in order to technically avoid being recessed at all, to prevent Obama from getting something done (imagine that).  Does that technical lack of recess affect this at all?  Thanks for leading in this god-awful situation.  I'll be contacting Senator Nelson too.
  • peoplefirstpeoplefirst
    These senators are referred to as co-sponsors of PIPA. Is PIPA a good thing? You need to make this immediately clear to people coming to your site so they don't have to do internet research to find this answer out, like I will have to. Most people want to help, but want to spoon-fed at the same time.

    Also, there must be others ways to influence these senators across the country. Phone calls and emails? A petition? This is good backup especially if a meeting can't be made.
  • HanksbflHanksbfl

    I have already called and sent email to Nelson and Rubio asking them to reject PIPA.  The problem is you don't get to speak to them personally, so you don't know how the request was delivered to them.

    I want to do my part, but an hour and a half drive to Rubio's office in Orlando is something that I cannot do.  Should I call his office again?  Maybe send another email?

  • YewieYewie
    PIPA as well as SOPA are draconian and of course opposed by the major (tech) internet players while supported by the MPAA/RIAA (dracons lol) because they are both just too far reaching.  I would support a bill that was something like "Make selling burned copies of movies illegal" and was THAT specific, but these bills could put you in JAIL for a HOME MOVIE where a copyrighted work/ a song was playing in the background unintentionally.  YEA, JAIL! YEA BOTH OF THEM! I contacted Nelson with no response yet but I also contacted a senator in Rhode Island and got a canned response that said it was a good bill and was all about foreign policing.  BARF!!  Good thing its election year - time for a Technocrat party! 
  • textdogtextdog
    Hanksbfl - You should send an email and call to follow up for sure.
  • TimeSourceTimeSource
    I have met with Bill Nelsons staff, recently, in Tampa.  It's worth the effort.  Leave your cell phone in the car, security will not give it back.  In person makes a difference.
  • JarwainJarwain
    I want to go and talk with them, but the only locations I can drive to is in West Palm Beach and (possibly) Broward, depending on the time. However, I doubt they'll take me too seriously (I'm not of voting age). I still want to give it a shot. Is there anyone else in the area, first of all. Secondly, does anybody know of a more accurate schedule for either senator, so I know who to focus on?
  • WatchitWatchit
    I'm in Orlando, and I'll try to set up a meeting with Rubio, the phone number above links to his Orlando office I believe. But if I cant get a meeting with him in Orlando I won't be able to do it at all I'm afraid.
  • StopSOPA-HQStopSOPA-HQ
    @TimeSource any useful info about your experience meeting w/ his staff? People to ask for, how long it took, what the meeting was like, etc???

    @Watchit - that would be awesome. I'm pretty sure you'll be able to at least meet with a member of his staff at the Orlando office. Keep us updated!
  • way_out_is_inway_out_is_in
    I called both numbers and left messages saying verbatim the example above. I left my call back number. Today's Saturday, so I won't here back til during the business week. I'll keep you all posted. :)
  • Fernadina13Fernadina13
    I'm from Florida but currently stationed in Germany. I can not go to any office for a meeting and calling is a hassle because of the time difference and my own work related time constraints.

    What can I do from over here? Please let me know.
  • AlessandroTRZNAlessandroTRZN
    ^ This. I live in south Florida on a budget and while I have the time, I don't have the cash to be driving to, and holding up in Tallahassee nor do I have any political procedural expertise to confront a senator and be confident I'll be making a difference. I think maybe a petition, maybe a flash flood of emails or even a few well organized, sanctioned, awareness rallies to hand out information would be helpful for arming more people with people knowledge who aren't able to dive head on into this thing but can help back up those with the skills that can can.
  • ChristopherNeetzChristopherNeetz
    Thank you everyone here supporting our freedoms and rights to express ourselves freely on the internet.  Censorship is never the solution.
  • StopSOPA-HQStopSOPA-HQ
    @way_out_is_in can you or others call to follow up and see what the heck they are doing?
  • LSamsLSams
    I called Senator Rubio's number but off course the voice mailbox is full so I couldn't leave a message.

    I then called and spoke to Eric @ Senator Nelson's office. He explained that their main office is in DC but he took my name and number and said he would try to get someone to meet with me. 

    Will post more once I receive more news.

    If I do get a meeting in Orlando, I hope we can get a large group together as time is running short.
  • LSamsLSams
    Ok guys, I have a meeting set up with Senator Rubio's Central Director Susan Fernandez.

    Tuesday Jan 17th @ 10.30am
    Address is 201 S. Orange Ave #350, Orlando FL 32801

    I really don't know much about this bill so any help here is appreciated so I don't look unprepared.

    I need to let them know approx how many people will be at the meeting so please let me know.

    Time to step up and show your support here people. I will be there regardless.

    - Laurence
  • StopSOPA-HQStopSOPA-HQ
    @LSams -- that is fantastic. I'll update the forum announcement to spread the word and get more people from our list involved. You should ask any local friends that may be interested in attending with you as well.  

    Feel free to join our briefing call at noon tomorrow (info above in sidebar on this page) and make use of our flyers and talking points sheets. 
  • LSamsLSams
    Thanks for the info on the sheets.

    I have posted FB & Twitter messages regarding the meeting to over 5,000 ppl. Time to see who steps up and gets off the couch for once eh?

    I will be on the call tomorrow.
  • smartwatersmartwater

    Is anyone in Gainesville going to the meeting in Orlando on the 17th? If so, maybe we could ride together.

     

  • smartwatersmartwater

    How can we contact each other?

  • smartwatersmartwater

     

     

  • LSamsLSams
    @smartwater  Easiest way is to leave your contact details on this wall. If you need more info about the meeting, email me. lsamuels1@cfl.rr.com

    Hope to see you on the 17th!
  • StopSOPA-HQStopSOPA-HQ
    @LSams @smartwater We created a Facebook event for your upcoming meeting: http://www.facebook.com/events/216888018397379/
    Feel free to pass it along, and let us know if you want any of the details changed. Thanks!
  • LSamsLSams
    great, thanks much
  • LSamsLSams
    Could you add this info to the FB page also:

    The office is in the Seaside Bank building. To park turn onto Magnolia St. which will put you at the back of the building. You will see some out of use drive through banking terminals on your left, from there park underneath the building. 
  • staberstaber
    I contacted both senators via their online contact forms. 

    http://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contact#form_a52d2670-5183-4901-9285-7ceda8bb2953

    http://billnelson.senate.gov/contact/email.cfm

    I typically receive a "personal" confirmation that they have received and considered my petition.

  • 671kmm671kmm
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJIuYgIvKsc&feature=relmfu



    This changes everything. I found this vid out there that has damning evidence that can stop SOPA! Everyone watch it!
  • rfair404rfair404
    Can anyone connect me with the organizer of this FL movement as I'd like to start something similar in GA. Need some help and direction.
  • InaxusInaxus
    Hi to all, i am not to aware of many aspects of this i just reading a bit. But i have a comment to make, I read yhis "the senators cant be reach" , and even if we try they wont listen to people, because the only time you see them on your estate is for elections, And even ( the people wont select them ) after that they listen to money related issues. remember that United Estates is just a republic like any other , so the freedon you think you have is not a real freedom is a cloud of lie.

    So the only way they listen is to go to the streets by the thousands.. ad that can cost you your freedom.
  • JerrJerr
    I'll try to be there Tuesday!
  • LSamsLSams
    great Jerr!

  • SchugiSchugi
    Live in St. Pete, will be there.
  • LSamsLSams
    Nice one Schugi!
  • sniffiesniffie
    I will be there, also going to try to bring some co-workers.

    We run a business based on user uploaded content and this bill has the potential to kill our company.

    I'm surprised more individuals/companies haven't played the 'destroying jobs' card.
  • LSamuelsLSamuels
    (This is Lsams, I couldn't seem to log in with my FB account so please don't send me any private messages as I won't get them).

    Hey all...information about the meeting next Tuesday (Jan 17th) @ Senator Rubio's Orlando office:

    Head Count

    We need an approximate count of how many people will be attending as I told the staff 5 people. We can take more but I have to give them notice by Monday @ 1pm. So please post a definitive yes on this board by Monday Jan 16th @ 12pm. Also let me know if you will be bringing guests and how many.

    Meeting Content

    I will be printing some of the materials from this website to take to the meeting. We want to keep the meeting polite and light explaining our concerns for the bill. If anyone has other suggestions please post here as I'm not all that familiar with the Bill itself. This shouldn't be a long drawn out affair.

    Parking

    The office is located 201 S. Orange Ave #350 Orlando, FL 32801 downtown in the Seaside Bank building on Orange Ave. but parking is accessed through the rear of the building which is located on Magnolia. Best way to access this is coming down Orange (one way), turn left on Jackson and left on Magnolia. Once you turn onto Magnolia, look for the unused drive through bank area on the left and park in the underground parking.

    Also try to arrive 10 minutes early

    @Sniffie, glad to hear you wil be attending. Thank you for making the effort. It is most important.
  • LSamuelsLSamuels
    ** MEETING UPDATE TIME CHANGE ** 

    Jan 17th @ noon.

    Just received a phone call from Senator Rubio's office asking for us to move the meeting time to 12 noon.


  • Susanna_YSusanna_Y
    Even though I can't attend (don't live in Orlando) really want to thank you for taking the time to actually set this up. It's people like you and everyone on here who give me hope for the future and make me want to become more involved. THANK YOU.
  • StopSOPA-HQStopSOPA-HQ
    @LSamuels, will update. 
  • Rachael_BRachael_B
    I CAN MEET WITH ANYONE IN TALLAHASSEE, WILL THERE BE A MEETING IN TALLAHASSEE?
  • Rachael_BRachael_B
    IF NOTHING ELSE, WE SHOULD ALL CALL THE CONGRESSIONAL OFFICES IN DC AND BARRAGE THEM WITH PHONE CALLS AND EMAILS AND FAXES SAYING WE WILL NOT TOLERATE THIS AND WE WILL VOTE OUT ANYONE WHO SIGNS THIS BILL. MAKE IT CLEAR THAT YOU WILL WORK TO REMOVE THEM FROM OFFICE IF THEY VOTE FOR THIS BILL TO BECOME LAW. YOU CAN CALL AS MANY TIMES AS YOU WANT TO CALL DC OFFICES, THEY DO NOT KNOW OR ASK YOUR NAME, YOU CAN GIVE DIFFERENT NAMES, OR GET YOUR FRIENDS, MOTHERS, FATHERS, GRANDPARENTS, NEIGHBORS TO CALL WITH YOU. JUST BARRAGE THEIR PHONES WITH NO NO NO WE WON'T TOLERATE THIS. IT MIGHT JUST SLOW IT DOWN A BIT UNTIL WE CAN GET MORE ORGANIZED. THEY CAN TABLE ON THE 24TH IF THERE IS ENOUGH CITIZEN UPROAR OVER IT.
  • MamakittyMamakitty
    I will post the number for both Posey and Bilirakis here tomorrow when I grab my laptop, since I will not be able to make an appointment and talk to anyone in person, startng 8am monday morning until wednesday night I will be calling both offices constantly until I either talk to one of them on the phone or get a dissapprove of sopa pipa from both offices. Once I post the numbers feel free to call and get the numbers for your congressmans or house of representatives for your district. Any officials saying no to the bill are better than none, lets start an epidemic. KEEP THE INTERNET FREEDOM ALIVE.


    MamaKitty

    Feel free to email me at jewelxkitty@gmail.com I will be of any help I can.
  • gabegabe
    I will be attending this meeting
  • sonyamyersdvmsonyamyersdvm

    Here is a link to the 2 Florida senators webpages.  You can send them a direct comment on a web form.  http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm?State=FL
    Here is what I wrote, feel free to copy and paste it:

    Please vote against the proposal PIPA.  It is too far reaching in its current state.  If it was more specific and was directed at those who market copyright material then that would be fine, but as the bill is written now it threatens free speech.  America was founded on free speech and opposing censorship.  Please remember the foundation of this great country and vote against this bill.  I and many others in your district are strongly opposed to PIPA and SOPA and urge you to veto this proposal.  Thank you for your time.

  • LSamuelsLSamuels
    Interesting article regarding the bills:


    @gabe glad you can make it.
  • jaypjayp

    I posted and called as well.  I will call again, and again, and post again, and again!!!!!

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